AmTrust Financial Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

AmTrust Financial has 10 executives leading key functions including marketing, operations, legal, cyber security, commercial lines, specialty risk, and underwriting.

Driven by a commitment to providing specialized insurance solutions, AmTrust Financial focuses on delivering tailored property and casualty insurance products and services to small and middle-market companies, ensuring robust risk management and claims administration across diverse industries.

Leadership Roles at AmTrust Financial

  • Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer - Ariel Gorelik
  • President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber - Benny Zviti
  • President Commercial Lines - Bruce Sanderson
  • President - James Thanasules
  • President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer - Elissa Pacheco
  • President, Special Risk - Bruce Saulnier
  • President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation - Robert Purdy
  • President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance - Dan Hickey
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Bruce Shuman
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - David Saks
  • Ariel Gorelik - Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer

    Ariel Gorelik, the Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer at AmTrust Financial, oversees the company's global operational infrastructure and efficiency. Directing day-to-day business activities, Gorelik ensures seamless execution of strategic initiatives across all segments. This critical role involves optimizing business processes, managing cross-functional teams, and driving operational excellence to support AmTrust Financial's growth objectives. By implementing innovative operational strategies, Ariel Gorelik enhances service delivery and cost-effectiveness. The Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer's purview includes managing claims handling, call center services, and ensuring the smooth integration of acquired businesses. Gorelik's leadership ensures that operational capabilities align with the company's mission to provide specialized insurance solutions and exceptional service to clients worldwide.

    Benny Zviti - President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber

    Benny Zviti, the President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber at AmTrust Financial, leads the company's specialized cyber insurance and technology-focused underwriting divisions. Directing the strategic development and operational execution of these critical business units, Zviti focuses on addressing evolving cyber threats and providing comprehensive digital risk solutions. This role involves identifying emerging market needs and developing innovative insurance products to protect businesses from digital vulnerabilities. By fostering strong relationships with technology partners and clients, Benny Zviti enhances AmTrust Financial's capabilities in the cyber insurance space. The President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber's leadership ensures the company remains at the forefront of cyber risk management, offering robust coverage and expert guidance to safeguard client assets and operations in the digital realm.
    Benny Zviti

    Bruce Sanderson - President Commercial Lines

    Bruce Sanderson, the President Commercial Lines at AmTrust Financial, spearheads the strategy and operations for the company's commercial insurance products. Directing the underwriting, product development, and distribution for small commercial businesses, Sanderson focuses on delivering tailored solutions that meet diverse client needs. This leadership position involves managing a portfolio of insurance offerings, including workers' compensation and commercial package policies, to ensure profitability and market competitiveness. By fostering strong relationships with agents and brokers, Bruce Sanderson expands AmTrust Financial's reach within the commercial sector. The President Commercial Lines's strategic oversight ensures that the company effectively serves small businesses, providing essential coverage and risk management support to facilitate their growth and stability.

    James Thanasules - President

    James Thanasules, the President at AmTrust Financial, drives strategic initiatives and operational oversight across key business segments. Directing the execution of AmTrust Financial's core business objectives, Thanasules focuses on enhancing profitability and market share. This executive role involves collaborating with divisional leaders to ensure alignment with the company's overall mission of providing specialized insurance solutions. By identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities, James Thanasules contributes to the sustained growth and financial strength of the organization. The President's leadership ensures that AmTrust Financial remains responsive to industry changes and client demands, reinforcing its position as a trusted provider of property and casualty insurance products.

    Elissa Pacheco - President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer

    Elissa Pacheco, the President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer at AmTrust Financial, leads underwriting strategy and operations for the Southeast region, alongside broader presidential responsibilities. Directing underwriting teams, Pacheco ensures the accurate assessment and pricing of risks for a diverse range of commercial clients. This dual role involves developing and implementing underwriting guidelines that align with AmTrust Financial's risk appetite and market objectives. By fostering strong relationships with agents and brokers in the Southeast, Elissa Pacheco expands the company's market penetration and client base. The President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer's expertise is vital in managing complex insurance portfolios and driving profitable growth within the region, ensuring clients receive appropriate coverage tailored to their specific needs.
    Elissa Pacheco

    Bruce Saulnier - President, Special Risk

    Bruce Saulnier, the President, Special Risk at AmTrust Financial, directs the strategy and operations for the company's specialty risk insurance offerings. Overseeing the development and delivery of niche insurance products, Saulnier focuses on providing coverage for unique property and casualty risks, including extended warranties and accidental damage plans. This leadership role involves identifying underserved markets and creating innovative solutions to meet specialized client demands. By managing underwriting guidelines and claims processes for special risk policies, Bruce Saulnier ensures AmTrust Financial effectively mitigates complex exposures. The President, Special Risk's expertise is critical in navigating the intricacies of specialized insurance markets, driving profitable growth and reinforcing the company's commitment to comprehensive risk management.

    Robert Purdy - President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation

    Robert Purdy, the President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation at AmTrust Financial, leads the company's specialized workers' compensation insurance division for middle-market businesses. Directing underwriting, product development, and claims management for this segment, Purdy focuses on providing tailored coverage and risk control services. This executive role involves analyzing market trends and client needs to ensure competitive and comprehensive policy offerings. By fostering strong partnerships with agents and brokers, Robert Purdy expands AmTrust Financial's reach within the middle-market sector. The President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation's strategic oversight is essential for managing the complexities of workers' compensation insurance, ensuring client safety and financial stability while driving profitable growth for the company.

    Dan Hickey - President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance

    Dan Hickey, the President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance at AmTrust Financial, spearheads the company's specialty insurance initiatives, focusing on niche markets and unique risk exposures. Directing the underwriting, product innovation, and distribution strategies for this division, Hickey ensures AmTrust Financial provides tailored solutions to clients with specialized needs. This leadership position involves identifying emerging market opportunities and developing robust insurance products to address complex risks. By cultivating strong relationships with distribution partners, Dan Hickey expands the company's footprint in specialty insurance sectors. The President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance's strategic vision is crucial for navigating specialized insurance landscapes, driving profitable growth, and reinforcing AmTrust Financial's commitment to comprehensive risk management across diverse industries.

    Bruce Shuman - Chief Marketing Officer

    Bruce Shuman, the Chief Marketing Officer at AmTrust Financial, directs all marketing initiatives and brand strategy. Overseeing the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns, Shuman ensures consistent brand messaging across all channels. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends and customer insights to identify new growth opportunities. By optimizing digital marketing efforts and public relations, Bruce Shuman drives customer acquisition and enhances market presence. The Chief Marketing Officer's strategic direction supports the company's expansion into new markets and strengthens its competitive positioning within the insurance sector. Shuman's focus remains on building brand equity and fostering strong customer relationships through targeted outreach and impactful communication strategies.
    David Saks, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at AmTrust Financial, directs all legal affairs and corporate governance. Overseeing the legal department, Saks ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and manages all litigation matters. This senior leadership position involves providing strategic legal counsel on business transactions, policy development, and risk mitigation. By safeguarding the company's legal interests, David Saks supports AmTrust Financial's operational integrity and market reputation. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities extend to advising the executive team and the board on legal implications of business decisions. Saks's expertise is crucial in navigating the complex legal landscape of the insurance industry, ensuring AmTrust Financial operates with the highest ethical and legal standards.
    David Saks

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AmTrust Financial Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AmTrust Financial?
    AmTrust Financial is led by Ariel Gorelik (Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Benny Zviti (President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber) and Bruce Sanderson (President Commercial Lines).
    Who is part of AmTrust Financial’s executive team?
    The executive team of AmTrust Financial includes leaders such as Ariel Gorelik (Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer), Benny Zviti (President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber), Bruce Sanderson (President Commercial Lines) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AmTrust Financial have?
    AmTrust Financial has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AmTrust Financial’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AmTrust Financial includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer, President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber, President Commercial Lines, President, President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer.